A man had an ass1, and a maltese lapdog, a very great beauty. Theass was left in a stable and had plenty of oats and hay to eat,just as any other ass would. The lapdog knew many tricks and wasa great favorite with his master, who often fondled him andseldom went out to dine without bringing him home some tidbit toeat. The ass, on the contrary, had much work to do in grindingthe corn-mill and in carrying wood from the forest or burdensfrom the farm. He often lamented2 his own hard fate andcontrasted it with the luxury and idleness of the lapdog, till atlast one day he broke his cords and halter, and galloped3 into hismaster's house, kicking up his heels without measure, andfrisking and fawning4 as well as he could. He next tried to jumpabout his master as he had seen the lapdog do, but he broke thetable and smashed all the dishes upon it to atoms. He thenattempted to lick his master, and jumped upon his back. Theservants, hearing the strange hubbub5 and perceiving the danger oftheir master, quickly relieved him, and drove out the ass to hisstable with kicks and clubs and cuffs6. The ass, as he returnedto his stall beaten nearly to death, thus lamented: "I havebrought it all on myself! why could I not have been contented7 tolabor with my companions, and not wish to be idle all the daylike that useless little lapdog!" 
To be satisfied with one's lot is better than to desire something which one is not fitted to receive. 